Next on Kukui Connection - Meet our newest member

Rep. Kawakami greets Rep. Mark Takai and members of the House on his first day.

Rep. Derek Kawakami was sworn in April 5th and is the newest member of the House of Representatives. As is her tradition, Rep. Marilyn Lee interviews members of the freshman class on Kukui Connection so that the public can get to know the new legislators, their history and their views for the future.

This Sunday, April 24th, 4:00 p.m. on Olelo Channel 54, viewers will meet Kauai Rep. Kawakami (District 14: Hanalei, Anahola, Kealia, Kapaa, Waipouli).

Rep. Kawakami is not a stranger to public service. He served on the Kauai County Council from 2008 to April 2011 when he was sworn into the State House of Representatives. He also served on the County of Kauai Charter Commission in 2007-2008, and has served on the Kauai Economic Development Board from 2007 to the present.

Rep. Kawakami is also no stranger to the House. His late Uncle Richard served as Speaker of the House, and his Aunt Bertha is a former State Representative.

Learn more about Derek Kawakami's family, his decision to enter public service, and his thoughts about serving in the legislature given the significant time spent away from his family and his business on Kauai.

Rep. Kawakami is the Vice Chair of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, the Committee on Water, Land & Ocean Resources, the Committee on Housing, and the Committee on Finance. He can be reached at 808-586-8435 or repkawakami@capitol.hawaii.gov.

The show repeats on Sunday, 4:00 p.m. on May 1st and 8th.